Waste detection

ABSTRACT

One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for waste object detection. For example, a waste alert component is configured to emit ultraviolet light towards a waste detection zone, such as a bathroom floor or countertop. If a waste object, such as a paper towel or other object with a fluoresce property, exists within the waste detection zone, then the waste alert component may detect an increase in light due to the waste object fluorescing visible light in response to the ultraviolet light. If the increase in light intensity exceeds a detection threshold, then the waste alert component may provide a waste detection alert that the waste object exists within the waste detection zone (e.g., a message may be sent to a housekeeper that paper towel waste in on the bathroom countertop).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/152,667, filed on May 12, 2016 and titled “WASTEDETECTION,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/160,357, filed on May 12, 2015, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is generally directed towards systems andtechniques for waste object detection. In particular, a waste alertcomponent may detect the presence of a waste object, such as a papertowel on a bathroom floor, based upon visible light fluoresced by thewaste object in response to ultraviolet light.

BACKGROUND

Many buildings and locations employ sanitary devices, such as soapdispensers, paper towel dispensers, toilet paper dispenser, airfresheners, etc., to improve sanitization. A housekeeper may routinelyclean such locations by refilling dispensers, cleaning trash off ofcountertops and floors, sanitizing surfaces, etc. Unfortunately, papertowels, toilet paper, and/or other waste objects may be discarded oroverflow onto the countertops and floors before routine maintenance isscheduled, which may be unsightly for users. For example, a trashcanwithin a bathroom may overfill such that paper towels overflow onto acountertop. Thus, a user may issue a complaint regarding the bathroombeing unclean. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to detect wasteobjects within various location such as bathrooms, near trashcans (e.g.,a trashcan in a park, a mall food court, a cafeteria, etc.), or otherlocations where waste objects may be undesirably located.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for wasteobjection are provided herein. A waste detection component comprises anultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light towards awaste detection zone (e.g., an area on a bathroom countertop, a floor,an area near a trashcan, etc.). In an example, a visible light filtermay be optionally positioned between the ultraviolet light source andthe waste detection zone to filter visible light emitted from theultraviolet light source (e.g., so that a user of a bathroom does notsee light emitted from the ultraviolet light source). The wastedetection component comprises a light detection component configured tomeasure light intensity of light impinging on the light detectioncomponent. In an example, an ultraviolet light filter may be optionallypositioned between the light detection component and the waste detectionzone. The ultraviolet light filter is configured to filter ultravioletlight from reaching the light detection component.

The waste detection component comprises a waste identification componentconfigured to obtain an initial light intensity measurement from thelight detection component while the ultraviolet light source is off. Thewaste identification component is configured to obtain a light intensitymeasurement from the light detection component while the ultravioletlight source is turned on. The waste identification component isconfigured to determine a light intensity change based upon a differencebetween the initial light intensity measurement and the light intensitymeasurement. The waste identification component may compare the lightintensity change to a detection threshold. In an example, the wasteidentification component may normalize the detection threshold basedupon a determination as to whether an ambient light is on or off.Responsive to the light intensity change exceeding the detectionthreshold, a waste detection alert, that the waste object exists withinthe waste detection zone, is provided. In an example, multiple lightintensity changes may be determined and compared to the detectionthreshold before the waste detection alert is sent in order to avoidfalse positive detection of waste objects such as from an ambient lightbeing turned on between the initial light intensity measurement and thelight intensity measurement. In an example, the waste detection alertmay be sent through an email, a mobile alert, displayed as a userinterface element on a map interface depicting a building within whichthe waste detection component is installed, a wireless signal, aflashing light, an audible alert, or any other type of communication.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the followingdescription and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspectsand implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the variousways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects,advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will become apparentfrom the following detailed description when considered in conjunctionwith the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of waste objectdetection.

FIG. 2 is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection.

FIG. 3A is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a first calibration light intensitymeasurement is obtained.

FIG. 3B is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a second calibration light intensitymeasurement is obtained.

FIG. 3C is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a third calibration light intensitymeasurement is obtained.

FIG. 3D is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a fourth calibration light intensitymeasurement is obtained.

FIG. 4A is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where an initial light intensity measurement isobtained.

FIG. 4B is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a light intensity measurement is obtainedand a waste detection alert is provided.

FIG. 5A is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where an initial light intensity measurement isobtained.

FIG. 5B is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a light intensity measurement is obtainedand a waste detection alert is provided.

FIG. 6A is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where an initial light intensity measurement isobtained.

FIG. 6B is a component block diagram illustrating an example system forwaste object detection, where a light intensity measurement is obtainedand a waste detection alert is not provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer tolike elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident,however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, structures and devices areillustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing theclaimed subject matter.

An embodiment of waste object detection is illustrated by an exemplarymethod 100 of FIG. 1. At 102, the method 100 starts. In an example, awaste alert component may be installed at a location, such as within abathroom, near a trash receptacle, on a wall above a floor, near acountertop, or near any other location or surface. For example, thewaste alert component may be installed along a wall (e.g., installed ata height of 36 inches or less, or any other height) above a cafeteriafloor near a trashcan. The waste alert component may be configured todetect a waste object, such as a paper object (e.g., a paper towel, apaper cup, toilet paper, a paper plate, etc.) or any other object thatfluoresces visible light in response to ultraviolet light, based upon ameasured increase of light resulting from the waste object fluorescingvisible light in response to ultraviolet light.

The waste alert component may be calibrated, such as during installationor a learning phase, based upon a surface type of the cafeteria floorand/or ambient lighting within the cafeteria. For example, a detectionthreshold (e.g., a measured light intensity threshold against whichdetected light is compared in order to determine whether to trigger awaste detection alert) may be calibrated based upon the surface type ofthe cafeteria floor on which a waste detection zone is to be defined bythe waste alert component. A notification may be received that thecafeteria floor is clear of waste objects. A first calibration lightintensity measurement may be obtained from a light detection componentof the waste alert component while an ultraviolet light source of thewaste alert component is turned off. A second calibration lightintensity measurement may be obtained from the light detection componentwhile the ultraviolet light source is turned on. The detection thresholdmay be calibrated based upon the first calibration light intensitymeasurement and the second calibration light intensity measurement, suchas to compensate for visible light reflected from the cafeteria floorand detected by a light detection component of the waste alertcomponent.

In an example of the calibration, the first calibration light intensitymeasurement and the second calibration light intensity measurement maybe obtained when an ambient light source is off, and thus additionalmeasurements may be obtained for calibration while the ambient lightsource is on. For example, a third calibration light intensitymeasurement may be obtained from the light detection component while theultraviolet light source is turned on and the ambient light source ison. A fourth calibration light intensity measurement may be obtainedfrom the light detection component while the ultraviolet light source isturned off and the ambient light source is on. The detection thresholdmay be calibrated based upon the third calibration light intensitymeasurement and the fourth calibration light intensity measurement, suchas to compensate for ambient light within the cafeteria (e.g., ambientlight reflected off the cafeteria floor and detected by the lightdetection component). In this way, the waste alert component may becalibrated for various environments.

At 104, an initial light intensity measurement may be obtained from alight detection component while the ultraviolet light source is turnedoff. The initial light intensity measurement may correspond to a lightintensity of ambient light within the cafeteria (e.g., 30% of a totallight sensitivity of the light detection component). At 106, a lightintensity measurement may be obtained from the lighted detectioncomponent while the ultraviolet light source is turned on (e.g., 50% ofa total light sensitivity of the light detection component). In anexample, the light intensity measurement may be obtained within athreshold timespan from when the initial light intensity measurement wasobtained (e.g., within about a few seconds or less).

If the waste detection zone, such as cafeteria floor near the trashcan,does not comprise an object that fluoresces visible light in response toultraviolet light, then the initial light intensity measurement and thelight intensity measurement may be similar (e.g., the light intensitymeasurement may be 32%). However, if the waste detection zone comprisesan object that fluoresces visible light in response to ultravioletlight, then the light intensity measurement may be greater than theinitial light intensity measurement (e.g., the light intensitymeasurement may be 50%). At 108, a light intensity change may bedetermined based upon the initial light intensity measurement and thelight intensity measurement. The light intensity change may indicate apercentage change in detected light by the light detection component(e.g., a 20% increase in detected light intensity).

At 110, responsive to the light intensity change exceeding a detectionthreshold (e.g., a percentage increase of detected light by the lightdetection component such as an increase of at least 8% or any otherpercentage increase in detected light between the initial lightintensity measurement and the light intensity measurement), a wastedetection alert, that a waste object exists within the waste detectionzone, may be provided. In an example, the waste detection alert may beprovided once a threshold number of detection cycles (e.g., acquisitionand comparison of initial light intensity measurements and lightintensity measurements for determination of light intensity changes)indicate that a threshold number of light intensity changes haveexceeded the detection threshold. Otherwise, a change in ambient light,such as a light turning on within the cafeteria, between acquisition ofthe initial light intensity measurement and the light intensitymeasurement may result in an increase in detected light that may beotherwise trigger a false positive detection that the increase was dueto a waste object fluorescing visible light as opposed to merely theambient light being turned on. In an example, the waste detection alertmay be provided through an email, a text message, a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) signal, a wireless signal, an audible alert, avisible alert, a mobile device alert, etc. The waste detection alert mayprovide an indication that the waste object was detected within thewaste detection zone (e.g., a housekeeper may be alerted to clean thetrashcan and/or the floor around the trashcan within the cafeteria). Inan example, the waste detection alert may be displayed within a mapinterface depicting a building, such as the cafeteria, with which thewaste alert component is installed (e.g., the housekeeper may access themap interface through a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet,and the map interface may display a user interface element indicative ofthe waste object such as an exclamation point, a red shaded area, atrash icon, or other indicator). In this way, waste detection alerts,indicating waste objects such as objects that fluoresce visible light inresponse to ultraviolet light, may be provided. At 112, the method 100ends.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system 200 for waste objectdetection. The system 200 comprises a waste alert component 202configured to detect a waste object, such as a paper object (e.g., apaper towel, a paper cup, toilet paper, a paper plate, etc.), based upona detected increase of visible light resulting from the waste objectfluorescing visible light in response to ultraviolet light. The wastealert component 202 comprises an ultraviolet light source 208, such asan ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) array, configured to emitultraviolet light 216 towards a waste detection zone 218, such as abathroom countertop, a floor of a bathroom, or any other surface. Thewaste detection zone 218 may be defined according to any shape and/orsize (e.g., based upon a lens configuration of the ultraviolet lightsource 208 and/or a distance of the ultraviolet light source 208 fromthe surface on which the waste detection zone 218 is defined), such as arectangle, a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circularshape, a polygon, etc. In an example, a visible light filter 210 ispositioned between the ultraviolet light source 208 and the wastedetection zone 218. The visible light filter 210 may be configured tofilter visible light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 208(e.g., so that a user of the bathroom does not notice the ultravioletlight source 208 emitting light).

The waste alert component 202 may comprise a light detection component212, such as a photo detector, configured to measure light intensity oflight impinging on the light detection component 212. In an example, anultraviolet light filter 214 may be positioned between the lightdetection component 212 and the waste detection zone 218. Theultraviolet light filter 214 may filter ultraviolet light from reachingthe light detection component 212. In another example, the lightdetection component 212 and/or the ultraviolet light source 208 maycomprise components with sensitivities in specific wavelength rangessuch that the light detection component 212 does not detect or accountfor ultraviolet light. In another example, the light detection component212 may be trained to learn thresholds that compensate for detectedultraviolet light (e.g., a detection threshold 206 may be increased toaccount to detected ultraviolet light).

The waste alert component 202 may comprise a waste identificationcomponent 204. The waste identification component 204 may calibrate thedetection threshold 206 (e.g., a threshold, such as a 15% increase ormore in detected light by the light detection component 212, used todetermine whether a waste object is located within the waste detectionzone 218) based upon a surface type of the surface within the wastedetection zone 218. For example, the waste identification component 204may obtain calibration light intensity measurements while theultraviolet light source 208 is on and an ambient light is on, while theultraviolet light source 208 is off and the ambient light is off, whilethe ultraviolet light source 208 is on and the ambient light is off,and/or while the ultraviolet light source 208 is off and the ambientlight is off. In this way, the calibration light intensity measurementsmay be used to determine a value (e.g., a percent increase of detectedlight) for the detection threshold 206, such that a change in measuredlight intensity between the ultraviolet light source 208 being off andthen on may indicate that a waste object is within the waste detectionzone and fluoresce visible light when the ultraviolet light source 208was turned on thus resulting in an increase in measured light intensity(e.g., the light detection component 212 may detect an increase in lightwhen the ultraviolet light source 208 is turned on because a wasteobject 222 fluoresces visible light 224 in response to ultraviolet light220 from the ultraviolet light source 208). In an example, the detectionthreshold 206 may be dependent upon the surface type of the surface,ultraviolet light intensity of the ultraviolet light 216, a size of thewaste detection zone 218 and/or a size of a waste object, and/or afluoresce effect of a type of waste object to be detected. In anexample, the detection threshold 206 may be set based upon a sensitivityadjustment parameter (e.g., a sensitivity may be decreased to mitigatefalse positive detection of waste objects).

In an example of performing a detection cycle for identifying wasteobjects within the waste detection zone 218 based upon visible lightfluoresced from waste objects, the waste identification component 204may obtain an initial light intensity measurement from the lightdetection component 212 while the ultraviolet light source 208 is off.For example, the initial light intensity measurement may correspond to45% of a total light sensitivity of the light detection component 212(e.g., ambient light may account for the initial light intensitymeasurement). The waste identification component 204 may obtain a lightintensity measurement from the light detection component 212 while theultraviolet light source 208 is on. For example, the light intensitymeasurement may correspond to 68% of the total light sensitivity of thelight detection component (e.g., a 23% increase in detected light)because the waste object 222 fluoresced visible light 224 in response toultraviolet light 220.

The waste identification component 204 may determine a light intensitychange, such as the 23% increase in detected light, based upon theinitial light intensity measurement of 45% and the light intensitymeasurement of 68%. In an example, the detection threshold 206 may benormalized based upon whether an ambient light is on or off (e.g., the15% threshold increase in detected light may be applied to the 45%initial light intensity measurement due to the ambient light being on,and thus the detection threshold may be set to a 15% increase over the45% initial light intensity measurement). The waste identificationcomponent 204 may determine that the light intensity change of 23%, overthe initial light intensity measurement of 45%, exceeds the detectionthreshold of 15% over the initial light intensity measurement of 45%.Accordingly, the waste identification component 204 may provide a wastedetection alert that the waste object 222 exists within the wastedetection zone, such as an email, a text message, a radio frequencyidentification signal, a wireless signal, an audible alert, a visiblealert (e.g., a flashing light), a mobile device alert, display of awaste detection alert user interface element within a map interfacedepicting a building within which the waste alert component 202 islocated, etc.

In an example, the waste identification component 204 may refrain fromsending the waste detection alert until a threshold number of lightintensity changes exceed the detection threshold 206, which may mitigatefalse positive detections of waste objects such as where an ambientlight source may be turned on between acquisition of the initial lightintensity measurement and the light intensity measurement and thus anincrease in ambient light may be incorrectly detected as visible lightfluoresced from a waste object. For example, the waste identificationcomponent 204 may perform a sequence of multiple detection cycles, whereinitial light intensity measurements are obtained while the ultravioletlight source 208 is off, light intensity measurements are obtained whilethe ultraviolet light source 208 is on, and light intensity changes aredetermined based upon differences of corresponding initial lightintensity measurements and light intensity measurements.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate examples of a system 302 for waste objectdetection. The system 302 may comprise a waste alert component 317installed on a wall 304 of a bathroom. The bathroom may comprise a sink314, a bathroom countertop 312, a paper towel dispenser 316, a trashcan328, a floor 301, a first ambient light source 306, a second ambientlight source 308, a mirror 310, and/or other objects. The waste alertcomponent 317 may comprise an ultraviolet light source 320, a visiblelight filter 322, a light detection component 324, an ultraviolet lightfilter 326, and/or a waste identification component 318.

The waste identification component 318 performing a calibration (e.g.,calibration based upon a surface type of a surface, such as the floor301, over which a waste detection zone 344 is to be defined), such as todetermine a detection threshold for detecting waste objects and/ornormalization parameters to compensate for ambient light. In an example,the calibration may be initiated based upon a calibration command orlearning phase, such as where a notification that a surface is clear ofwaste objects, such as the floor 301. FIG. 3A illustrates an example 300of the waste identification component 318 obtaining 332 a firstcalibration light intensity measurement from the light detectioncomponent 324 while the ultraviolet light source 320, the first ambientlight source 306, and the second ambient light source 308 are turnedoff. FIG. 3B illustrates an example 340 of the waste identificationcomponent 318 obtaining 346 a second calibration light intensitymeasurement from the light detection component 324 while the ultravioletlight source 320 is turned on to emit ultraviolet light 342 towards thewaste detection zone 344, and while the first ambient light source 306and the second ambient light source 308 are turned off.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example 360 of the waste identification component318 obtaining 364 a third calibration light intensity measurement fromthe light detection component 324 while the ultraviolet light source 320is turned off, and while the first ambient light source 306 and thesecond ambient light source 308 are turned on and thus emitting ambientlight 362. FIG. 3D illustrates an example 370 of the wasteidentification component 318 obtaining 376 a fourth calibration lightintensity measurement from the light detection component 324 while theultraviolet light source 320 is turned on to emit ultraviolet light 374towards the waste detection zone 344, and while the first ambient lightsource 306 and the second ambient light source 308 are turned on andthus emitting ambient light 372. In this way, the waste identificationcomponent 318 may calibrate the detection threshold using one or more ofthe calibration light intensity measurements to adjust for ambient lightand/or the surface type of the floor 301.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate examples of a system 402 for waste objectdetection. The system 402 may comprise a waste alert component 417installed on a wall 404 of a bathroom. The bathroom may comprise a sink414, a bathroom countertop 412, a paper towel dispenser 416, a trashcan428, a floor 401, a first ambient light source 406, a second ambientlight source 408, a mirror 410, and/or other objects. The waste alertcomponent 417 may comprise an ultraviolet light source 420, a visiblelight filter 422, a light detection component 424, an ultraviolet lightfilter 426, and/or a waste identification component 418.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example 400 of the waste identification component418 obtaining 432 an initial light intensity measurement from the lightdetection component 424 while the ultraviolet light source 420, thefirst ambient light source 406, and the second ambient light source 408are turned off. For example, the initial light intensity measurement maycorrespond to 5% of a total light sensitivity of the light detectioncomponent 424. FIG. 4B illustrates an example 440 of the wasteidentification component 418 obtaining 446 a light intensity measurementfrom the light detection component 424 while the ultraviolet lightsource 420 is turned on to emit ultraviolet light 442 towards a wastedetection zone 444, and while the first ambient light source 406 and thesecond ambient light source 408 are turned off. For example, the lightintensity measurement may correspond to 20% of the total lightsensitivity of the light detection component 424 because a waste object430, such as a paper towel, may have fluoresced and emitted visiblelight in response to the ultraviolet light 442.

The waste identification component 418 may determine a light intensitychange of 15% based upon a difference between the initial lightintensity measurement of 5% and the light intensity measurement of 20%.The waste identification component 418 may determine that the lightintensity change of 15% may exceed a detection threshold of a 10%increase change in light intensity. Accordingly, the wasteidentification component 418 may provide a waste detection alert thatthe waste object 430 exists within the waste detection zone 444.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate examples of a system 502 for waste objectdetection. The system 502 may comprise a waste alert component 517installed on a wall 504 of a bathroom. The bathroom may comprise a sink514, a bathroom countertop 512, a paper towel dispenser 516, a trashcan528, a floor 501, a first ambient light source 506, a second ambientlight source 508, a mirror 510, and/or other objects. The waste alertcomponent 517 may comprise an ultraviolet light source 520, a visiblelight filter 522, a light detection component 524, an ultraviolet lightfilter 526, and/or a waste identification component 518.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example 500 of the waste identification component518 obtaining 532 an initial light intensity measurement from the lightdetection component 524 while the ultraviolet light source 520 is turnedoff, and while the first ambient light source 506 and the second ambientlight source 508 are turned on to emit visible light 534. For example,the initial light intensity measurement may correspond to 55% of a totallight sensitivity of the light detection component 524 based upon thevisible light 534. FIG. 5B illustrates an example 540 of the wasteidentification component 518 obtaining 546 a light intensity measurementfrom the light detection component 524 while the ultraviolet lightsource 520 is turned on to emit ultraviolet light 542 towards a wastedetection zone 544, and while the first ambient light source 506 and thesecond ambient light source 508 are turned on to emit visible light 534.For example, the light intensity measurement may correspond to 77% ofthe total light sensitivity of the light detection component 524 becausea waste object 530, such as a paper towel, may have fluoresced andemitted visible light in response to the ultraviolet light 542.

The waste identification component 518 may determine a light intensitychange of 22% based upon a difference between the initial lightintensity measurement of 55% and the light intensity measurement of 77%.The waste identification component 518 may determine that the lightintensity change of 22% may exceed a detection threshold of a 10%increase change in light intensity (e.g., the detection threshold may benormalized based upon the ambient light 534). Accordingly, the wasteidentification component 518 may provide a waste detection alert thatthe waste object 530 exists within the waste detection zone 544.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate examples of a system 602 for waste objectdetection. The system 602 may comprise a waste alert component 617installed along a wall 604 and over a bathroom over bathroom countertop612. The bathroom may comprise a sink 614, the bathroom countertop 612,a paper towel dispenser 616, a trashcan 628, a floor 601, a firstambient light source 606, a second ambient light source 608, a mirror610, and/or other objects. The waste alert component 617 may comprise anultraviolet light source 620, a visible light filter 622, a lightdetection component 624, an ultraviolet light filter 626, and/or a wasteidentification component 618.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example 600 of the waste identification component618 obtaining 632 an initial light intensity measurement from the lightdetection component 624 while the ultraviolet light source 620 is turnedoff, and while the first ambient light source 606 and the second ambientlight source 608 are turned on to emit visible light 634. For example,the initial light intensity measurement may correspond to 55% of a totallight sensitivity of the light detection component 624 based upon thevisible light 634. FIG. 6B illustrates an example 640 of the wasteidentification component 618 obtaining 646 a light intensity measurementfrom the light detection component 624 while the ultraviolet lightsource 620 is turned on to emit ultraviolet light 642 towards a wastedetection zone 644, and while the first ambient light source 606 and thesecond ambient light source 608 turned on to emit visible light 634. Forexample, the light intensity measurement may correspond to 57% of thetotal light sensitivity of the light detection component 624 (e.g.,because no objects, such as paper towels or other waste objects thatfluoresce visible light in response to the ultraviolet light 642, arewithin the waste detection zone 644, a relatively smaller increase, ifany, of light may be detected by the light detection component 624).

The waste identification component 618 may determine a light intensitychange of 2% based upon a difference between the initial light intensitymeasurement of 55% and the light intensity measurement of 57%. The wasteidentification component 618 may determine that the light intensitychange of 2% does not exceed a detection threshold of a 10% increasechange in light intensity (e.g., the detection threshold may benormalized based upon the ambient light 634). Accordingly, the wasteidentification component 618 may refrain from providing a wastedetection alert because the light intensity change of 2% indicates thatno waste object exists within the waste detection zone 644.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

It will be appreciated that layers, features, elements, etc. depictedherein are illustrated with particular dimensions relative to oneanother, such as structural dimensions or orientations, for example, forpurposes of simplicity and ease of understanding and that actualdimensions of the same differ substantially from that illustratedherein, in some embodiments.

Further, unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” and/or the likeare not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, anordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names,etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first object anda second object generally correspond to object A and object B or twodifferent or two identical objects or the same object.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused herein, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than anexclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this applicationare generally to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like generally means A or B or both A andB. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”,or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Thedisclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and islimited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regardto the various functions performed by the above described components(e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for waste object detection, comprising:a photo detector configured to measure light intensity of lightimpinging on the photo detector; and a waste identification componentconfigured to: determine a light intensity change based upon an initiallight intensity measurement by the photo detector and a subsequent lightintensity measurement by the photo detector; determine a detectionthreshold based upon a sensitivity adjustment parameter; and responsiveto the light intensity change exceeding the detection threshold, providea waste detection alert that a waste object exists within a wastedetection zone.
 2. The system of claim 1, the waste identificationcomponent configured to: calibrate the detection threshold based upon asurface type of a surface within the waste detection zone.
 3. The systemof claim 2, wherein the waste identification component is configured tocalibrate the detection threshold by: obtaining a first calibrationlight intensity measurement from the photo detector while an ultravioletlight source is turned off; obtaining a second calibration lightintensity measurement from the photo detector while the ultravioletlight source is turned on; and calibrating the detection threshold basedupon the first calibration light intensity measurement and the secondcalibration light intensity measurement.
 4. The system of claim 1, thewaste identification component configured to: evaluate the initial lightintensity measurement to determine whether an ambient light source is onor off.
 5. The system of claim 4, the waste identification componentconfigured to: normalize the detection threshold based upon whether theambient light source is on or off.
 6. The system of claim 1, the wasteidentification component configured to: determine the detectionthreshold based upon a fluoresce effect of a type of waste object to bedetected.
 7. The system of claim 1, the waste identification componentconfigured to: responsive to the light intensity change not exceedingthe detection threshold, determine that the waste detection zone isclear of waste objects.
 8. The system of claim 1, the wasteidentification component configured to: perform a sequence of detectioncycles, a first detection cycle comprising the initial light intensitymeasurement and the subsequent light intensity measurement; andresponsive to a threshold number of light intensity changes exceedingthe detection threshold during the sequence of detection cycles, providethe waste detection alert, otherwise, refrain from providing the wastedetection alert.
 9. The system of claim 1, the subsequent lightintensity measurement corresponding to visible light fluoresced from thewaste object based upon ultraviolet light.
 10. The system of claim 1,the waste detection zone corresponding to at least one of a surface of abathroom countertop or a floor of a bathroom.
 11. The system of claim 1,the waste detection zone corresponding to at least one of asubstantially circular shape or a substantially semi-circular shape. 12.The system of claim 1, the waste identification component configured to:send the waste detection alert to a user through at least one of anemail, a text message, a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal, awireless signal, an audible alert, a visible alert, or a mobile devicealert.
 13. The system of claim 1, the waste identification componentconfigured to: display the waste detection alert within a map interfacedepicting a building within which the waste alert component is located.14. A method for waste object detection, comprising: obtaining aninitial light intensity measurement while an ultraviolet light source isturned off; obtaining a light intensity measurement while theultraviolet light source is turned on to emit ultraviolet light;determining a light intensity change based upon the initial lightintensity measurement and the light intensity measurement; andresponsive to the light intensity change exceeding a detectionthreshold, providing a waste detection alert that a waste object wasdetected.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprising: calibrating thedetection threshold based upon a surface type of a surface.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the calibrating comprises: obtaining a firstcalibration light intensity measurement from a photo detector while theultraviolet light source is turned off; obtaining a second calibrationlight intensity measurement from the photo detector while theultraviolet light source is turned on; and calibrating the detectionthreshold based upon the first calibration light intensity measurementand the second calibration light intensity measurement.
 17. The methodof claim 14, the light intensity measurement corresponding to visiblelight fluoresced from the waste object based upon the ultraviolet light.18. The method of claim 14, comprising: determining the detectionthreshold based upon a fluoresce effect of a type of waste object to bedetected.
 19. The method of claim 14, comprising: determining thedetection threshold based upon a sensitivity adjustment parameter.
 20. Asystem for waste object detection, comprising: a photo detectorconfigured to measure light intensity of light impinging on the photodetector; and a waste identification component configured to: determinea light intensity change based upon an initial light intensitymeasurement by the photo detector and a subsequent light intensitymeasurement by the photo detector, wherein the subsequent lightintensity measurement is collected when an ultraviolet light is turnedon; and responsive to the light intensity change exceeding a detectionthreshold, provide a waste detection alert that a waste object wasdetected.